Put An End To Counter Surfing

My 1-year-old flat coated retriever passed training but still table surfs like a champ. I’m hosting the holiday dinner and dreading it because she’s not good in the kitchen. Willow takes things off the counter, out of the sink and is so tall she can reach anything. A sit/stay works for a little while but not as long as we need. Help!

Desperate in Detroit

Dear Desperate:

Tis’ the season for canine counter surfers to leap into action. The holidays brim with opportunities to filch food and other goodies when we turn our backs. While annoying, this habit can be dangerous depending what is within reach.

First try to understand why dogs do this. They are scavengers, not little kids being mischievous. Every time Willow scores a snack from a counter or table she has every reason to go back for more. Thus, the behavior is self rewarding. Obedience classes won’t teach a dog the kitchen counter is off limits. Owners must set the house rules and be vigilant about removing temptation so dogs learn acceptable sources of food and behaviors that earn it.

Just as such thievery is self rewarding, the best fixes are self correcting—in other words an undesirable outcome Willow does not associate with you. Scolding or chasing her after she’s stolen your ham sandwich will only tell her that it’s safer to grab when you aren’t watching. And while trainers preach “keep counters and tables clear”, it’s not very realistic around the holidays.

My favorite deterrent for repeat offenders is the “soda can trap”. Stack ten or so empty cans at the scene of the crime and place a few pennies in each for extra noise. Attach a 2-foot string to the bottom row of cans with duct tape and tie the other end to a tasty piece of meat placed near the edge of the counter. Say nothing and walk away. The trick is a lot of drag on the string so that when she grabs the bait the cans come crashing down and “chase” her as she absconds with the booty.

If she drops the bait, the scary sound stops. If she picks it back up the cans start chasing her again. If you rig this correctly she’ll think twice before ever putting those paws on your counter again.

This does not get you off the hook training wise. Willow still needs to learn the “leave it” and “off” commands using lots of praise and yummy treats to reward mannerly behavior. A buster cube or other treat-dispensing toy will help keep her occupied at floor level where she belongs.

You must be proactive in observing her until she complies. As one trainer puts it “Supervision means “Super Vision”. In other words, watch the dog!

Dear Karen:

Could you please provide a recipe for the pumpkin dog cookies mentioned in last week’s column? I think my “Angel” (a Jack Russell/beagle mix and truly an angel) would like them

Don Webb – New Kingston

Dear Don:

Here is a real tail wagger…with an added bonus: peanut butter!

Pumpkin Peanut Butter Dog Treats

2-1/2 Cups whole wheat flour (or rice flour)

2 eggs

½ to 1 cup pumpkin

3 Tbsp. natural peanut butter

½ tsp salt

½ tsp cinnamon

Water as needed

Whisk eggs, pumpkin peanut butter, salt, cinnamon together then slowly add flour. Add water as needed to make the dough workable. Roll out ½” thick and cut into holiday shapes or ½” pieces. Bake on cookie sheet at 350 degrees until hard. 40 minutes for large cookies/15 minutes for bite sized. Refrigerate in airtight container.